Tag Archives: Natural History
Why Did The Mongoose Cross The Road?
Years ago in a biology class, I learned about the Indian Mongoose’s introduction to Hawaii (in 1883) as a predator to kill the rats that were thriving in sugar cane fields. Well, like so many ideas like this, it was a … Continue reading
The Prairie Center
October is a favorite time of year in the Midwest. It’s not too hot, there’s a crisp feel to the air, and a tangy fragrance wafts in the wind. This smoke-tinged perfume could be just the dying … Continue reading
Filed under Biology, Conservation, Education, Environment, History, Kansas, Kansas City, Life, Nature, Photography, Science
Butterflies and Caterpillars — Oh, My!
This year in my garden, I added more host and nectar plants to the caterpillar and butterfly menu, but I haven’t seen many butterflies. Maybe I should get outside more — and weed! I know they visit, because I’ve found plenty of caterpillars … Continue reading
Filed under Butterflies, Education, Entomology, Environment, Family, Gardening, Insects, Kansas, Life, Natural History, Nature, Photography, University of Kansas
Scientists Discover Origin of a Cancer in Tasmanian Devils
Above is a photograph I took of a Tasmanian Devil in January 2009 at the Tasmanian Devil Conservation Park in Tasmania. Links to my previous posts on the Tassie Devil are at the bottom. (I’m just wild about the devils!) The Tasmanian … Continue reading
Filed under Animals, Australia, Health, Life, Natural History, Nature, Photography, Science, Travel
Butterfly School at Monarch Watch Fall 2009 Open House
One of the highlights of the annual fall open house at Monarch Watch is Butterfly School, in which Chip Taylor, founder and director of Monarch Watch, demonstrates how to catch, hold, tag and release a Monarch butterfly before it begins … Continue reading
Filed under Animals, Biology, Butterflies, Conservation, Entomology, Gardening, Insects, Kansas, Life, Natural History, Nature, New Zealand, Personal, Science, University of Kansas
Assassin in the Garden
Every day, I watch the progress of the Black Swallowtail (BST) caterpillars on my huge bronze fennel plant, which is home to a lot of other insects, including this character (see photo) who seemed to be hanging out and doing … Continue reading
Filed under Animals, Biology, Butterflies, Entomology, Environment, Gardening, Humor, Insects, Kansas, Kansas City, Life, Natural History, Nature, Photography, Science, University of Kansas
Survivor — Caterpillar Version
If you plant it, will they come? Over the past two years, I’ve planted many kinds of coneflowers and milkweed. I’ve planted bronze fennel, parsley, bee balm, butterfly bush, autumn sedum and more. It’s a buffet for Black Swallowtail and Monarch … Continue reading
Filed under Animals, Butterflies, Entomology, Environment, Gardening, Insects, Kansas, Kansas City, Life, Natural History, Nature, Personal, Photography, Science
Monarch Watch Spring 2009 Open House
My friend Deb buys some tropical milkweed at the Monarch Watch Spring Open House at the University of Kansas on May 9. Monarch Watch Director Chip Taylor, at left in the yellow hat, and many volunteers were busy as the … Continue reading
Filed under Animals, Butterflies, Conservation, Education, Environment, Food, Gardening, Insects, Kansas, Life, Natural History, Nature, Personal, Photography, Science, University of Kansas
I’m a Tasmaniac
I’m envious. Janelle of “What Makes Me Laugh” won a trip to Australia for herself and her husband by writing an essay about Jurlique products, based in Adelaide. Her niece told her: Get your butt to Australia before my college year abroad … Continue reading
Filed under Australia, Bird-watching, Conservation, Environment, Humor, Life, Natural History, Nature, Personal, Travel
Quetzal Quest
A friend’s recent soggy — and fruitless – quest to see a Resplendent Quetzal in Panama reminded me of my own rained-out effort two years ago in Honduras. My husband and I went with our long-time friends Michael and Anita, who know … Continue reading
Filed under Animals, Bird-watching, Birds, Friendship, Humor, Life, Natural History, Nature, Personal, Science, Travel
